Overview
- Hugo filed the complaint on January 23 in federal court in California, alleging breach of fiduciary duty, failure to account, self-dealing, and diversion of revenues.
- The suit centers on N.E.R.D. Music, LLC, whose operating agreement allocates 50% of touring and other income to Williams and 25% each to Hugo and Shay Haley, with merchandising and trademark income split equally.
- Hugo says he has sought monthly statements and royalty records since 2021 but received limited or incomplete disclosures despite demand letters.
- The filing cites missing entries in label and SoundExchange portals and estimates at least $325,000, potentially over $1,000,000, tied to the 2017 album No One Ever Really Dies.
- The case follows Hugo’s 2024 trademark suit over The Neptunes’ name, and representatives for Williams have not provided comment as the matter proceeds in court.